Gaming keyboard with power connection system and related methods

Abstract

A gaming keyboard and related methods are disclosed that provide features to enhance the computer gaming experience. A keyboard connection pod is disclosed that improves power capabilities of the keyboard thereby allowing for enhanced features that require more power. A panic mechanism is disclosed that can be triggered to cause one or more selected keys to change states. Keycap rim-lighting is disclosed that provides improved visual indication of key positions. A hand registration enhancement is disclosed including a spacebar having a thumb notch and/or WASD and spacebar keys with different tactile response than other keys. Function keys are disclosed that are positioned proximate to allow reduced movement of the left hand. An integrated cord wrap tray is disclosed for a peripheral such as a mouse. Other features and variations are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A keyboard system having a power connection system, comprising:
 a keyboard having a plurality of keys and configured to communicate with an information handling system, the keyboard being separate from the information handling system; 
 a connection pod having a power connection input configured to be coupled to an AC/DC adapter as a first power source for the keyboard; 
 a first cable coupled between the keyboard and the connection pod, the first cable being configured to carry power and data signals between the connection pod and the keyboard; and 
 a second cable coupled to the connection pod and configured to be coupled to the information handling system, the second cable being configured to carry data signals between the information handling system and the connection pod and to carry power from the information handling system to the connection pod as a second power source for the keyboard; 
 wherein the keyboard is further configured to operate in different power modes depending upon whether power from the first power source is available through the power connection input for the connection pod. 
 
     
     
       2. The keyboard system of  claim 1 , further comprising a key lighting system within the keyboard, the key lighting system being configured to be powered through the connection pod. 
     
     
       3. The keyboard system of  claim 2 , wherein the key lighting system comprises a plurality of LEDs. 
     
     
       4. The keyboard system of  claim 3 , wherein the key lighting system comprises twelve or more RGB (red, green, blue) LEDs. 
     
     
       5. The keyboard system of  claim 3 , wherein the keyboard includes a plurality of LED drivers for the plurality of LEDs, and wherein the keyboard is configured to use a reduced number of LED drivers when the first power source is not available. 
     
     
       6. The keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein the connection pod further comprises an audio input connection and an audio output connection. 
     
     
       7. The keyboard system of  claim 6 , wherein the connection pod is configured to receive audio signals from the information handling system and to send audio signals to the information handling system. 
     
     
       8. The keyboard system of  claim 1 , wherein the keyboard further comprises two or more USB ports. 
     
     
       9. The keyboard system of  claim 8 , wherein the second cable comprises a USB connection. 
     
     
       10. The keyboard system of  claim 9 , wherein the keyboard includes a USB controller for the two or more USB ports, and wherein the keyboard is configured to use the USB controller only when the first power source is available. 
     
     
       11. A method to operate a keyboard, comprising:
 communicating between a keyboard having a plurality of keys and an information handling system, the keyboard being separate from the information handling system; 
 providing power and data signals to the keyboard through a first cable coupled between the keyboard and a connection pod, the connection pod having a power connection input configured to be coupled to an AC/DC adapter as a first power source for the keyboard; 
 using a second cable coupled between the connection pod and the information handling system to communicate data signals between the information handling system and the connection pod and to carry power from the information handling system to the connection pod as a second power source for the keyboard; and 
 operating the keyboard in different power modes depending upon whether power from the first power source is available through the power connection input for the connection pod. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising powering a key lighting system for the keyboard through the connection pod. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the key lighting system comprises a plurality of LEDs. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the key lighting system comprises twelve or more RGB (red, green, blue) LEDs. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the keyboard includes a plurality of LED drivers for the plurality of LEDs, and further comprising using a reduced number of LED drivers when the first power source is not available. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising communicating audio input signals and audio output signals through the connection pod. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , further comprising receiving audio signals from the information handling system and sending audio signals to the information handling system. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the keyboard further comprises two or more USB ports. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the second cable comprises a USB connection. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the keyboard includes a USB controller for the two or more USB ports, and further comprising using the USB controller only when the first power source is available.